What Steps Should You Take Immediately After an Auto Accident?

Auto accidents are a stressful and often traumatic experience for anyone involved. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a collision can make a significant difference in protecting your health, preserving evidence, and supporting any future legal claims. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in New Orleans, Louisiana, having a detail-oriented and personable auto accident attorney by your side can help you handle the process and get the compensation you deserve. The Corrington Law Firm is here to help with insight into how to act after an auto accident.

This guide covers the eight essential steps you should follow after an auto accident, including legal considerations, documentation, and common mistakes to avoid.

1. Prioritize Safety and Check for Injuries

Immediately after an accident, your first concern should be the safety of everyone involved. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone appears injured, call 911 right away to request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s a good idea to have a medical professional evaluate you.

In Louisiana, reporting an auto accident is mandatory if the collision results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes §32:398, failing to report an accident can result in fines or penalties.

2. Move to a Safe Location

If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

In New Orleans, especially in high-traffic areas like the French Quarter or Central Business District, moving your car to the side of the road can help reduce congestion and prevent secondary accidents.

3. Call the Police

Contacting the police is a critical step, even if the accident seems minor. An officer will create an official accident report, which can be valuable evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Be sure to get the officer’s name, badge number, and a copy of the police report or report number.

4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

After making sure everyone is safe, exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information

• Insurance company and policy number

• Driver’s license number

• License plate number

• Make, model, and color of the vehicle

Be polite but avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you later. A skilled auto accident attorney can help determine liability based on the evidence.

5. Document the Scene

Thorough documentation can strengthen your case if you decide to seek compensation. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

• Vehicle damage

• Skid marks, debris, and road conditions

• Traffic signs or signals

• Any visible injuries

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. Their statements may support your version of events.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.

Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident. This documentation is vital for your auto accident attorney when building your case.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details but avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, so having an experienced auto accident attorney in New Orleans can help you communicate effectively.

8. Contact an Auto Accident Attorney

Auto accidents can lead to complicated legal issues, especially when it comes to determining fault and dealing with insurance companies. An experienced auto accident attorney can help:

• Assess the value of your claim

• Gather and preserve evidence

• Communicate with insurance adjusters

• Represent you in court if necessary

Having a lawyer who understands local laws and has experience handling cases in New Orleans and surrounding areas, including Metairie, Kenner, and Jefferson Parish, can give you a significant advantage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Auto Accident

• Admitting fault: Never admit fault at the scene. Fault determination is a complicated legal issue best handled by professionals.

• Delaying medical treatment: Waiting too long to see a doctor can hurt your health and weaken your claim.

• Not collecting evidence: Failing to document the scene can make it harder to prove what happened.

• Settling too quickly: Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that don’t cover all your expenses. Consult an auto accident attorney before accepting any offer.

How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

A detail-oriented auto accident attorney in New Orleans can provide personalized guidance throughout your case. Here are a few ways they can make a difference:

Investigating the Accident

An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and professional analyses. This helps establish liability and strengthens your claim.

Calculating Damages

Damages in auto accident cases can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your losses to seek appropriate compensation.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to pay the least amount possible. An experienced attorney can handle negotiations to pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.

Representing You in Court

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to court. Having a lawyer who is familiar with the local court system in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and St. Bernard Parish can be a significant asset.

Louisiana’s Comparative Fault Law

Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. According to the Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, even if you are 50% at fault, you can still recover 50% of your damages. 

This makes it critical to have a knowledgeable auto accident attorney who can help minimize your liability and maximize your compensation. Turn to the Corrington Law Firm. When you choose Attorney Thomas Corrington, you’re choosing relentless dedication and a sharp focus on results.

Local Considerations in New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans presents unique challenges when it comes to auto accidents. The city’s high-traffic areas, narrow streets in the French Quarter, and frequent festivals increase the likelihood of collisions. Additionally, weather conditions like heavy rain and occasional flooding can contribute to accidents.

An auto accident attorney with experience in New Orleans and nearby areas, such as Attorney Thomas Corrington, understands these local factors and can tailor their approach to your case accordingly.

When to Call an Auto Accident Attorney

You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, especially if:

• You suffered significant injuries

• There is a dispute over who was at fault

• The insurance company is pressuring you to settle

• You are unsure about the next steps to take

Delaying legal assistance can weaken your case, so it’s best to seek advice early.

Contact the Corrington Law Firm

Auto accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a collision can help protect your rights and set the stage for a successful claim. Working with a detail-oriented and personable auto accident attorney in New Orleans can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Whether you need help gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, or filing a lawsuit, having the right legal support can ease the burden during a difficult time. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident in New Orleans, don’t hesitate to reach out to Attorney Thomas Corrington. He can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Remember, local experience matters—choose an attorney familiar with New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and other nearby communities. Don’t face the aftermath of an auto accident alone; get the legal help you need today. Call the Corrington Law Firm.